Biography
Kholofelo Mothibi is a seasoned risk leader with 16 years of experience in auditing, compliance, controls assurance, and third-party risk management in the Technology and Financial sectors. Currently, she serves as the Director of Third Party Risk Management at Corebridge Financial, leading the development and implementation of a robust TPRM function. Her career spans notable positions at Barclays and IBM, where she gained extensive expertise in IT Security, Compliance, Internal Audit, Procurement, and the Chief Security Office.
Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Kholofelo relocated to the US in 2015 to establish a centralized TPRM function for Barclays. She is recognized for her collaborative approach, innovative problem-solving, and dedication to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, earning her the Empower 100 Ethnic Minority Future Leaders 2021 accolade and a Barclays Diversity Award.
Leadership Characteristics
Kholofelo's leadership is characterized by a strong commitment to fostering team engagement and promoting a culture of collaboration and innovation. She has a proven track record of building successful teams by empowering individuals to reach their full potential. By providing clear guidance, support, and opportunities for professional growth, she has helped team members develop their skills and advance their careers. She is also adept at making tough decisions, balancing strategic objectives with the needs and well-being of her team.
"My approach to leadership emphasizes open communication, integrity, and a focus on achieving excellence through collective effort."
Leadership Challenges
One of the most significant challenges Kholofelo faced was leading a global team through the initial phase of the pandemic. This period was marked by uncertainty and fear, with team members facing both professional uncertainties and personal anxieties. She prioritized empathy and compassion, ensuring that her team had access to necessary resources such as medical assistance, mental and emotional support, and flexibility for caregiving responsibilities. She led the effort to reprioritize their business objectives, focusing on impactful and feasible activities given the circumstances.
"Personally, being miles away from my family in South Africa, I learned the importance of self-care and mental health, leading with authenticity and showing my team that it's okay to be vulnerable."
Key Take-a-ways
One key takeaway Kholofelo emphasizes is the critical role of adaptability and resilience in today's dynamic risk landscape. As the Director of TPRM, she advocate for leveraging advanced technologies and data analytics to enhance third-party risk management practices. Embracing digital transformation allows for more efficient and accurate risk assessments, enabling organizations to respond swiftly to emerging threats. Additionally, fostering strong industry partnerships and collaboration remains crucial for developing shared assessment frameworks that reduce redundancy and promote efficiency.
"Continuous improvement and staying informed about regulatory changes are essential to maintaining robust risk management practices that protect the organization and drive strategic growth."
Fun Fact
Outside of Kholofelo's professional achievements, she has a unique and fun background in radio hosting. She was a radio presenter at Tshwane University of Technology in South Africa from 2005 to 2007, and at Kaya FM from 2011 to 2013.
"This experience honed my communication skills and ability to engage with diverse audiences, adding an interesting facet to my multifaceted career."